Ripon Archives - Page 173 of 200

Lidl submits plan for new Ripon store

German supermarket chain Lidl has submitted plans for a new supermarket in Ripon.

The company has tabled the proposal for St Michael’s Retail Park in the city following an online consultation.

Lidl has planned for a 1,100 square metre store, which it says will create up to 40 new full time and part time jobs.

The company announced its intention to expand into the city last year and earmarked the £10 million retail park as its preferred location.

Now, plans for the supermarket have been lodged to Harrogate Borough Council which will make a decision on the development at a later date.

A spokesperson from Lidl GB said:

“Many people have welcomed the proposed Lidl store, which would bring competition, increasing choice and providing a boost to the local economy through job creation.

“Many also mentioned that a store on this site would reduce the need to travel out of the city to shop and therefore keep expenditure in Ripon. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their support so far and we look forward to further sharing and discussing our plans with them.”

The plan for Ripon comes as Lidl has also tabled a proposal for its first Harrogate store on the on the site of the former Lookers car dealership on Knaresborough Road.

Ripon’s Jack Laugher selected for the Olympics

Ripon diver Jack Laugher has today been named in the Great Britain diving team for the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Laugher, who made history at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games by becoming the first ever Olympic champion in diving for Great Britain, is one of 12 people selected.

Other leading names include Tom Daley, who hopes to win his first Olympic gold medal.

Laugher will defend his Olympic crown in the men’s 3m synchro event. He will also target a second Olympic medal in the individual 3m springboard event, after taking silver in that competition five years ago.

Laugher, who represents City of Leeds, will be joined in the synchro by Rio 2016 bronze medallist Daniel Goodfellow, with Edinburgh’s James Heatly the other pick in the 3m individual.

British Swimming described today’s squad as “phenomenally strong”.

Alexei Evangulov, British Diving performance director, said:

“This has been the longest Olympic cycle ever, however the hardest part of it was the last year – our team exceeded all my expectation in terms of coping with all the challenges we experienced during the pandemic.

“There were a lot; pool closures, isolation, quarantine, uncertainness, competitions postponements, you name it. Our divers not only managed to secure their physical and technical shape in this situation, but also significantly improved their diving quality.”

The Olympics are due to take place in Japan from July 23 to August 8.

Rival racing pigeons banned from Ripon racecourse

Rival homing pigeons who race against the clock across the UK have been banned from starting their race from Ripon Racecourse after a wagon used to house the birds got stuck on sodden grass.

Pigeon racing is the sport of releasing trained pigeons, which then return to their homes over a carefully measured distance.

Specially designed wagons collect up to 1,000 pigeons before releasing them at Ripon Racecourse in what is known as “pigeon liberation”.

The aerodynamic birds then use a built in homing system to hurtle through the sky and reach home. They are microchipped and their times are recorded.

But following some recent wet weather, the trucks got stuck on the grass — which led to an upset racecourse having to call a local recovery firm to rescue it.

A pigeon liberation

James Hutchinson, managing director and clerk of the course at Ripon, told the Stray Ferret there have been two incidents where drivers drove the heavy wagons “without due consideration” onto the sodden grass, leaving them stranded.

He added:

“We attempted to help extracting these vehicles but due to their size we were unsuccessful. A local recovery firm had to be called to complete the job and we were left with damage to repair to the grass car park.”

The Royal Pigeon Racing Association (RPRA) tweeted earlier this week that it had received notice from the racecourse that pigeon liberations can no longer be accommodated from June 1 and the site “has been cancelled”.

It warned pigeon fanciers that the nearest alternatives are 10 miles away in Harrogate and 29 miles away in Malton.

However, homing pigeons flying above the cathedral city could return soon after it appears the racecourse has had a change of heart.

Mr Hutchinson added that discussions with the RPRA are underway to consider the resumption of pigeon liberations “at the earliest opportunity”.

An RPRA spokesperson told the Stray Ferret they hope to be able to resume pigeon liberations in Ripon in the future.

Ripon firms vote on whether to create Business Improvement District

The ballot to decide the future of Ripon’s proposed £800,000 Business Improvement District is underway.

BIDs have been created across the country, including in Harrogate, as a way of increasing footfall to towns and cities. Businesses pay annual levies to fund projects.

More than 280 Ripon businesses have until next Thursday to vote on whether they wish to pay a levy to fund projects to create a safer, cleaner and better promoted city centre over the next five years.

A group of city leaders have been working on the plans since 2019 and will generate £800,000 in funding over five years if they win the backing of businesses through the ballot.

They have already won the support of Harrogate Borough Council, which has agreed to lend £20,000 for start-up costs and will contribute about £30,000 over the five-year period if the BID goes ahead.

Speaking at a meeting last night, councillor Graham Swift, deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development at the council, said:

“This council strongly supports the creation of Business Improvement Districts – these have been extremely successful throughout the United Kingdom.

“As a Conservative, I’m pro-self-determination and this enables the people of Ripon to generate funds for themselves for the things they think are critical for their businesses.

“I’m confident that with the right plans and actions this will go a long way to playing an important part of the whole regeneration programme that is taking place in Ripon.”

Majority required

For the BID to succeed, a simple majority of those who vote, representing more than half the total rateable value of all the properties, must be in favour.

Abacus Smarter Accountants, Specsavers, Office Ally, G Craggs Ltd and Sterne Properties are among those to have already expressed support, as well as other organisations including Ripon Community House, Ripon Museums Trust and Ripon City Council.

The results will be announced shortly after the ballot closes.

If the BID goes ahead, a limited company will be set up with 10 directors drawn from the business community to manage the funds.

A business plan was launched earlier this year and set out the BID’s top priorities, including street cleansing and maintenance, festivals and events, car parking, toilets, landscaping and tourism.

In a statement included in the plan, Richard Compton, chairman of Ripon BID and owner of Newby Hall, said:

“I believe Ripon can emerge strongly from the huge challenges presented by the covid pandemic. Our unique local retail and leisure businesses have weathered much of the storm finding new ways of working and collaborating.

“We have so much to offer and as we perhaps see the light at the end of the tunnel, all of the city’s businesses need a plan to boost the place, for the benefit of all those who shop, live, work and visit our stunning city.

“The BID will re-invest in the priorities that matter locally, appreciating that Ripon is the gateway to the Dales, with tourists an important element of the business mix.

“The business plan has been crafted to capture the essence of Ripon and address issues that businesses have told us need attention.

“We need to drive footfall into our shops, restaurants, bars, museums and attractions – both in the city centre and the outer areas.

“We are on the point of making Ripon one of Yorkshire’s great success stories”

£7,000 raised so Ripon boy with rare cancer can enjoy outdoor space

Family and friends of a 13-year-old Ripon boy are trying to raise funds to create a safe space outdoors for him to enjoy with friends.

William Riddler was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a very rare and aggressive type of cancer, in March 2021.

Due to infection risks, William cannot socialise with his loved ones indoors so instead they want transform his front garden into a paved area. They have plans for a wooden shelter, jacuzzi and television.

Family friend, Sarah Bostock, has known the family for 20 years. She set up the just giving page 10 days ago after William’s condition worsened in hopes they can complete the works sooner.

It has already raised more than £7,400, but the target is for £10,000.

William first discovered a lump on his calf. Investigations found the cancer had spread to his eye bones, pelvis, spine, thighs, knee, ribs and sternum and possibly other areas of his body.

The Outwood Academy student is currently undergoing four different types of chemotherapy at Leeds General Infirmary.

Ms Bostock says she is praying William will be in the small percentage of patients that fight this nasty disease.

She said:

“I work full time so I couldn’t help in other ways but I still wanted to contribute. He loves the water so the jacuzzi was his idea. William is great, he’s cheeky and always playing jokes on people. I can’t believe how the community has come together to support the family.

She [William’s mum Louise Riddler] deserves this, she’s always helping other people and now people can see that she needs help too.”

William getting comfy on some of the garden furniture donated by Morrisons in Ripon.

The family is hoping to have the space ready by the summer so William has somewhere to go with friends after treatment.

Ms Bostock is keen to keep fundraising and reach the £10,000 target. She said Mrs Riddler has been “overwhelmed” with the support for her son.

Ms Bostock added:

“The family is staying positive because William is so positive so it’s helping them.”

Donations have come in from businesses and people local to the family in Ripon. Others have pledged to shave their heads all in aid of William’s outdoor space.

To support the fundraising, click here.

County council invests £723,000 in Ripon SEND school

A new satellite school developed for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) has welcomed more than 40 new pupils in Ripon after a £723,000 investment.

Mowbray School, Ripon, received the money from North Yorkshire County Council to open on the site of the city’s former Moorside Infant School.

The new school opened two of its classrooms last year to 12 pupils. It now hosts five newly equipped and fully refurbished classrooms, indoor and outdoor play and sensory equipment, calm rooms and a forest school.

The school will help children learn within their local area instead of travelling out of the county to get the specialist education they need.

It serves the Ripon, Harrogate, Boroughbridge and Knaresborough area and is a satellite of Mowbray School in Bedale.

The developments opened up a number of new jobs locally. The school has 30 members of staff and more are set to be hired when the kitchen opens.

Jonathan Tearle, Mowbray School executive headteacher, said:

“This has been a project four years in the making.

“It’s a fabulous facility and one which we are very proud of – it’s such a credit to the dedication and work of our staff. It’s been nice seeing the school grow from 12 to 42 pupils over the last few months.

“Seeing how the children have benefited is fantastic. It’s been uplifting to see them exploring the playground and playing and developing friendships.”

Works are set to continue; the school recently put in a planning application to build a Rebound Training Centre at the site. This means the children can use trampolines with staff to improve their wellbeing.

In the summer a cycle track will also be installed so the pupils can use their adapted bikes and trikes.

The schools is part of the county council’s current strategic plan for SEND in North Yorkshire. The plan will see more funding invested into creating SEND provision in the county’s mainstream school.

There are more than 3,450 children and young people with education, health and care plans in the county.

Man dies after falling out of canoe near Ripon

A man who fell out of a canoe in the River Ure near West Tanfield earlier today has died.

The police have also confirmed that there was a second man in the canoe, but he managed to get out of the water and is currently in hospital.

Residents nearby reported that a police helicopter and plane were circling the Nunwick area at around midday.

The police plane later located the body further down the river near Nunwick.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said:

“Police received a report at 11.15am this morning that two canoeists had got into difficulty in the River Ure near West Tanfield.

“Officers immediately attended the location with colleagues from the fire, ambulance and rescue services.

“One man had got out of the water and was taken to hospital for treatment.

“Sadly, the body of another man was located by an NPAS police aircraft, in the river north-west of Nunwick.

“His family have been informed.”

Harrogate salon turns away woman despite face mask exemption

A Ripon woman has said she is being discriminated against after a hair salon turned her away even though she has a face mask exemption.

Jan Spence, 58, has chronic asthma and anxiety so she wears a lanyard around her neck to let other people know why she does not wear a face mask.

Ms Spence recently visited Moo Hair in Harrogate to use a voucher she bought before lockdown. However, when she arrived the hairdresser she was booked to see refused to let her in.

It is something Ms Spence has not experienced before and she told the Stray Ferret she did not want to experience it again so she decided to speak out to raise awareness. She said:

“I felt really degraded, I cannot help having a health condition. It can be quite debilitating at times.

“So it was upsetting when I was turned away. I have had both coronavirus jabs and I had a negative lateral flow test in the morning so what else can I do?”

When Ms Spence approached Groupon, which she bought the voucher through, the customer services team gave her credit to spend on something else.

Caroline Allen, who owns the salon on Cheltenham Mount, operates a policy that everyone has to wear a face mask to be allowed inside.

Ms Allen told the Stray Ferret her rule was designed to keep staff and clients safe:

“We are all learning here. We have never lived through anything like this before. I go by the rules set out by the central body for hairdressers and barbers.

“I have to protect everybody in the salon, we get some very vulnerable clients in here so we all wear face masks.

“It can put me in a very difficult position but it is one I am going to stick by. I am sorry that Jan is so upset.”

New on-demand bus service for Ripon and Masham

Ripon and Masham are to get a new on-demand bus service as part of a pilot scheme to improve links to rural areas.

YorBus, which is run by North Yorkshire County Council, launches on July 1 and is due to be trialled for 12 months.

The service allows passengers to book a ride when and where they need one.

Once a passenger has chosen a pickup and drop-off location, they will need to head to a bus stop for a pooled ride.

Residents can book the bus through an app or by phone. The app will be available from June 28.

YorBus covers the area shaded in blue.

The app allows passengers to plan and track their bus journey, including how long the bus will take to arrive.

It will operate from 6.55am to 6pm on weekdays and 9am to 6pm on Saturdays.

There will be a flat fare of £1.20 for adults and 65p for children between the ages of 5 and 17. Children under 5 can travel for free. Concessions can also be used.

YorBus is also fully accessible, with low floor access and a ramp for those with wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Cllr Don MacKenzie, the executive member for access, stated:

“The YorBus project is intended to provide transport to help people to travel to work, to go shopping, to attend medical appointments and to access other services, which they need. We hope it will offer a viable and affordable alternative to the private motor car.

“The flexibility of the scheme also means that a high proportion of seats on buses will be occupied on every journey, which will lead to better value for money and greater environmental benefits too.”

To promote the launch of YorBus, the council is running roadshows to speak to residents about the service, stopping off at the following locations:

June 22 9:30-11:30: Bedale
June 23 9:30-11:30: Masham
June 24 9:30-11:30: Ripon
June 24 13:00-14:00: Grewelthorpe
June 24 14:30-15:30: Kirkby Malzeard
June 25 9:30-11:30: Lightwater Valley
June 25 13:30-15:30: Fountains Abbey

Ripon Curzon won’t open on June 4 after all

The owners of the Curzon cinema in Ripon have said the venue won’t be reopening on June 4 after all.

On Tuesday, the London-headquartered cinema chain told the Stray Ferret:

“Curzon Ripon is planning on reopening June 4.”

Now the company has issued a new statement saying:

“Unfortunately, due to Curzon Ripon’s venue being so small, with only 20 seats, they are unable to open safely at present, with the government guidelines for social distancing.

“As soon as they can safely reopen there will be updates on the website.

“We apologise for the disappointment this may cause.

“But we want to be able to reopen safely whilst following guidelines. “

The North Street venue opened on 31 October 2013. It incorporates two screens seating 58 and 34 respectively.

The complex includes a bar, restaurant and VIP area. It was created following a £2 million refurbishment of a former furniture store.

The Stray Ferret contacted the company amid growing speculation on social media about whether or not the venue would reopen.

Cinemas across the country reopened this week but audience numbers are limited. But the Curzon in Ripon remained shut.

The cinema chain says Curzon Ripon is too small to open safely on June 4.

Ripon is no longer listed on the Curzon website page featuring its UK venues. In addition, the website for Curzon Ripon is currently coming up with the message ‘Page not found.’

The same applies to other web pages previously used to promote the Ripon offer.

The situation was further confused by apparently conflicting articles in national trade media.

An article in RadioTimes.com dated 4 May, said:

“Curzon is set to open in line with government guidance on May 17.

“Mayfair, Richmond, Wimbledon and Sheffield will open June 4. Tickets go on sale May 10. “

Ripon was not mentioned in that story.

There was also no reference to Ripon by name in an article published on Monday in screendaily.com .

Its 17 May story included the following:

“Eight Curzon cinemas are reopening from today (May 17), with a further five on June 4.”

That adds up to a total of 13 but there are only 12 Curzon cinemas listed on the company’s website.

Ripon isn’t among them.

The 12 UK venues currently featured on the company’s website – include six in London.

Other locations are Canterbury, Colchester, Oxford, Richmond and Sheffield.

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